The reception venue isn’t typically a single, large cost but a series of above-average expenses that add up quickly, especially if the bridal party opts for a package deal from their venue. Taken in sum, the costs of renting a venue, catering the event and providing other related necessaries makes this feature of weddings the most expensive. Common costs associated with a wedding reception venue include:
● Venue rental: With thousands of dollars typically spent to reserve a venue for a wedding, it’s often one of the priciest components of a reception. The typical cost of a venue amounts to $9,261, making it among the most expensive costs related to weddings. When couples have to rent tables and chairs and other furniture to fill out a venue hall, the cost increases.
● Catered food and drink: Making sure that guests are well-fed is one of the most expensive parts of any wedding — particularly if a wedding venue requires the couple to hire their own caterer. Expect to spend an average of $4,075 for a wedding of 66 guests — $62 a plate. As wedding sizes return to pre-pandemic sizes, the cost of food (per plate and in total) will rise. Of course, the cost of food is likely to increase for more extravagant weddings. But hosts could save on the cost of the venue by offering a cash bar as opposed to an open bar.